PRESS RELEASE
Turku, Finland on 15th March 2017
Mona Isotupa wins the FDS Award with her
Pine Lip Balm concept
Mona Isotupa’s Pine Lip Balm concept has won the FDS Award design competition, organised by online store Finnish
Design Shop. The first prize is worth 7,000 euros.
The winning design is an ethically and ecologically produced pine lip balm, where the product and packaging form
a natural unity: the container is crafted of Finnish pinewood and one of the key ingredients of the balm is organic
pine essential oil.
The simple yet appealing container unveils the true beauty of pinewood by utilizing its natural grain as a decorative
pattern. The concept reflects designer Mona Isotupa’s background: she is currently studying at Raseko (Raisio
Regional Education and Training Consortium) to become a wood artisan.
‘The jury was immediately charmed by the lip balm. It’s not only a beautiful and functional product, but also the
beginning of an entire brand that we wish to support,’ says the CEO of Finnish Design Shop and jury member
Teemu Kiiski. ‘Every element of the winning design is well thought-out, which is design at its best. Plus, given the
trend of natural cosmetics, the product has huge commercial potential.’
The second prize went to the Puffin Stool by Maija Leskelä and the third prize to the Cocktail Light by Hanna
Anonen.
This year, the winning designs differ greatly from each other by their character and production methods. However,
what they all have in common is that they are ready for production with some refining.
‘The winner of last year’s FDS Award, the Perch Stool by Wesley Walters and Salla Luhtasela is now a part of
Nikari’s collection. I strongly believe that also this year, one or more of the winning designs will make it to store
shelves’, predicts Teemu Kiiski.
Winners:
1st Prize, 7000 euros
Pine Lip Balm concept – Mona Isotupa
This beautiful little object with a simple, yet strong character charmed the jury
instantly. Crafted from often-disregarded pinewood, the product unveils the
true beauty of wood by utilizing the natural grain as a decorative pattern.
The winning design is not only a wooden container, but also an entire product
line of natural, ethically and ecologically produced lip balms. The lip balm
and its container form a functional and aesthetic unity in which both elements
support the concept: the balm’s main ingredient is organic pine essential oil,
and it comes in a pinewood case. Made of only one material, the container
is very easy and cost-effective to produce as well as easy to dispose. Also, its
small size makes it ideal for online sales. The designer plans to build a brand
around the product and extend the product range to other cosmetic products,
too. Given the mega trend of natural cosmetics, the jury sees huge potential in
commercialising the product.
2nd Prize, 2000 euros
Puffin Stool – Maija Leskelä
The Puffin stool is a lightweight and airy interpretation of classic all-around
furniture. This aesthetically balanced stool brings beauty wherever it´s needed:
in the hallway, living room, around the dining table as well as in public
spaces. Its simple metal structure makes it durable enough to be shipped
without excess packaging. With its removable upholstery, the Puffin stool is
easily customizable according to customer´s own preferences. What’s more,
the structure allows also cost-efficient serial production.
3rd Prize, 1000 euros
Cocktail Light – Hanna Anonen
The Cocktail pendant light is a surprising and playful lighting fixture that makes
you smile – its bold character with multiple colour combinations brings joy to
any interior. However, it´s not only the bright colours that make the light stand
out: even with a toned-down colour palette, the lamp would make a strong
impression due to its plastic and functional form. The lighting fixture is made
of painted wooden sticks that hang freely from the frame. The layered sticks
prevent glare and provide both horizontal and vertical light. This way it solves
beautifully the classic dilemma of lighting design: how to allow horizontal light
without blinding the user.
The jury was composed of: Clara von Zweigbergk (Clara von Zweigbergk Design), Shane Schneck (Office for Design), Mika Tolvanen
(Studio Tolvanen), Joanna Laajisto (Joanna Laajisto Creative Studio), Kari Korkman (Helsinki Design Week) and Teemu Kiiski (Finnish
Design Shop). FDS Award is a design competition, which is open to everyone. The brief is to design a home product, ideal to be
sold in an online store. With the competition Finnish Design Shop seeks to commercialize new ideas and pave their way to store
shelves.
More information: CEO Teemu Kiiski, tel. +358 50 593 4973, [email protected]
Picture requests: Fanni Vapola, [email protected]